JOGSINGH BHANVARSINGH RAJPUT Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) A young woman of 25 years Bai Laxmi unfortunately met with a gruesome and ghastly death in Dhundhiawadi in Palanpur. Deceased Laxmi succumbed to the injuries caused by first degree burns sustained by her around midnight of 2nd July 1986. The incident occurred in her matrimonial house which was rented by the accused two days prior to the unfortunate incident. She had two sons at the relevant time aged about 7 and 5 years.

(2.) On hearing shouts and screams, the neighbours got collected near the house in which Bai Laxmi received serious burn injuries. Smokes and flames were coming out of the house. Therefore, neighbours collected there, broke open the doors of the house. At that time, they found that unfortunate Bai Laxmi was burning. Neighbours tried to extinguish fire on her body by pouring water on her body. At that time, the appellant, who is the original accused Jogsingh-husband of the deceased Bai Laxmi was standing alongwith the two sons in the adjoining room.

(3.) One Dr. Ramkrishna Joshi informed the police about the incident. The police came to spot and also helped the local people in extinguishing fire. The accused and the two sons came out after the police came. The room in which Laxmi sustained serious burn injuries was smelling of kerosene. Laxmi was taken into police van immediately for medical aids at the dispensary of Dr. Sutaria. Since the physical condition of Laxmi was serious and deteriorating, the executive Magistrate was summoned for statement of Bai Laxmi.